The US-based Rocket Lab Inc, a space launch and space systems company recently announced that the company’s high-efficiency, radiation-resistant hardened Coverglass Interconnected solar Cell (CIC) assemblies are going to power all three of the Lockheed Martin Next Gen OPIR GEO (NGG) satellites that will be launched into space, for the United States Space Force (USSF). This NGG program is predicted to deliver resilient global missile warning system capabilities to efficiently counter emerging missiles and counter-space incoming threats. It is part of the latest innovation in the evolution of the United States Space Force’s (USSF) missile warning system, which follows the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program, which was backed by SolAero, a space solar power company acquired by Rocket Lab in January 2022.
“We are excited to continue our long-term partnership with Lockheed Martin by powering the Next Gen OPIR GEO satellites,” said Brad Clevenger, Rocket Lab’s Vice President & General Manager, Space Systems Power Solutions. “These satellites are critical to the mission needs of the United States Space Force and our national security, and we are proud to be supporting their production on an aggressive schedule.”
Rocket Lab’s Coverglass Interconnected solar Cells (CIC) will be integrated into the solar panels and arrays on the spacecraft designed, developed and built by Lockheed Martin. The spacecraft just successfully passed a critical design review, a major milestone in becoming certified for space launch. The first of the three satellites are scheduled to launch in the year 2025.
Established in 1998 and subsequently subsumed by Rocket Lab in January 2022, Albuquerque, New Mexico-based SolAero has produced solar cells, solar panels, and composite structural products for more than 1,000 successful space launches with almost 100 per cent dependability. SolAero’s products have contributed to roles in some of the industry’s space missions, including supplying power to NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, James Webb Space Telescope, and Mars Insight Lander, as well as several Cygnus Cargo Resupply Missions to the International Space Station.
